Nairobi’s ambitious market modernisation programme is gathering pace, with major projects across the city nearing completion as the county moves to provide traders with modern, safe and dignified working spaces.
South B Market is now 90 per cent complete, while the Gikomba Quarry Road project has reached an impressive 96 per cent. The Gikomba Linear Market is also taking shape, signalling further progress in the transformation of one of Nairobi’s busiest trading areas. Maji Mazuri Market in Kasarani is at 98 per cent completion.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Markets and Trade Jane Wangui said the progress at the various sites demonstrates the county’s commitment to transforming markets and improving the working environment for thousands of traders.
“The progress we are seeing at South B and Maji Mazuri is a clear indication that Nairobi’s market modernisation programme is moving steadily. We are focused on delivering safe, organised and dignified trading spaces for our traders,” Wangui said.
The multi-storey South B Market is expected to provide an organised and dignified trading environment for about 1,050 permanent traders, with capacity to accommodate nearly 1,500 traders during peak market days.
The South B site, once completed, the facility is expected to serve thousands of residents and traders in South B and surrounding areas.
“These markets are more than just buildings. They are spaces where thousands of Nairobians earn a living, and our responsibility is to ensure traders have clean, secure and properly planned facilities where they can grow their businesses,” Wangui said.
In Kasarani, the three-block Maji Mazuri Market is now 98 per cent complete. The modern trading centre sits on an 8.4-acre parcel of land that had previously been grabbed before being recovered for public use.
The facility is being equipped with proper parking, improved trading shades and modern sanitation facilities, providing mama mbogas, small traders and businesses with a safer, cleaner and more organised environment in which to work.
At Gikomba, the Quarry Road project has reached 96 per cent completion, while works on the Gikomba Linear Market are steadily taking shape. The projects are expected to improve infrastructure and the trading environment within the sprawling commercial hub.
Governor Johnson Sakaja said improving the dignity and welfare of traders remains a key mission of his administration, noting that the county is constructing and modernising 20 markets across all 17 sub-counties.
“The dignity of our traders is at the heart of this programme. We are modernising 20 markets across all 17 sub-counties to create opportunities, support young entrepreneurs and strengthen local economies,” Sakaja said.
The Governor said the projects are designed not only to provide better trading spaces but also to create opportunities for young entrepreneurs, support small businesses and stimulate local economies.
With several projects now above the 90 per cent completion mark, Sakaja said the administration remains focused on delivering its market transformation programme despite political criticism.
“Despite the politics, we remain focused. We will complete all 20 markets and deliver facilities that work for our people,” Sakaja said.
Further, construction works at Mutuini and Kahawa West markets are in top gear, adding momentum to Nairobi County’s ambitious market modernisation programme.
Through its Cooperation Agreement with the National Government to accelerate the development and transformation of the city, Nairobi County is on course to complete the construction and modernisation of 20 markets across all 17 sub-counties.
The modern markets will also come with much-needed amenities such as baby-care centres, allowing traders with young children to work without having to stay at home to care for them and miss out on their livelihoods. The facilities will also include IT hubs and other essential services designed to make the markets more inclusive, modern and supportive of small businesses.
